Gov't wants $30,000 fine for persons driving while using a cell phone

Less than one year after a bill was tabled in Parliament proposing that persons who use cellular phones while driving be levied with a $10,000 fine, Transport Minister Mike Henry is urging legislators to consider a $30,000 fine instead.

The new Road Traffic Bill, which is now before the House of Representatives, is not proposing a 200 per cent increase in the fine.

It is also suggesting that persons be jailed for one month if the money is not paid.

Henry says electronic devices are very distracting.

Transport Minister, Mike Henry

In addition to clamping down on the use of cellular phones while driving, the bill proposes that the drivers of vehicles with electronic devices such as televisions be heavily fined.

IN PHOTO: Mike Henry - File

If caught, drivers who have visual electronic devices in their line of sight can be charged $30,000.

The law does not apply to a person who uses a navigation device, a radio, or a device that produces rear-view images while reversing.

Since the start of the year, 290 persons have died on the country’s roads in crashes.